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Saturday, March 29, 2014

Brew Review - Toxic Brew Company - Dayton, Ohio

Toxically refreshing (I'm getting good at these slogans)

Toxic Brew Company sits in a seedy little area of downtown Dayton called the Oregon District. It is an up and coming area that has been gentrified from being an adult video and peep show lined street, to an area filled with trendy restaurants and boutique shops. This has become a trendy approach to upgrading old industrial areas that fell on hard times and became hot beds of smut and icky activity to something that evolves into a place with tons of character.

The brewery is in an old warehouse with exposed brick and duct work, which has become the cornerstone of any great brewery and taphouse. Walking in, you get a lively feel and atmosphere. There is a freshly made popcorn aroma in the air with great music pumping. This particular night, they had the whole Kings of Leon - Because of the Times album playing at half blast which is one of my favorites. There is a professional size shuffle board that extends the length of the bar area, but doesn't take up to much room. The high ceilings makes it feel open and alive.

The bar itself is gigantic, stretching a good 30 feet and made with great woodwork. Beers are displayed on the chalkboard behind the bar and are only Toxic beers. The first time I came here I had a habanero beer called Porn or Pawn Pepper Ale, which is obviously a reference to the location of the brewery. It was a weird experience because it left a hint of spice at the end of every sip with the end making you need a glass of water. I went with the below this visit:

Dank Dunkel - ABV 6.7% - Dark Wheat Ale. It has a pretty sharp wheat taste that had a little boozy aftertaste. Great nonetheless, but strong. One more of these and I would have been zonked. Great taste and balance, but more of a sipping beer.

I chilled at the bar listening to d-bags around me talk about their work day, but for the most part I enjoyed myself. The layout of the bar itself had a great feel and made me want to call it my go-to place in Dayton.